Measles Cases Surge 200% in Europe Amid Global Vaccination Challenges
A new report by the World Health Organization reveals a staggering 200% rise in measles cases in Europe, with over 306,000 incidents reported in 2023, compared to approximately 99,700 in 2022. The global total reached 10.3 million cases, marking a 20% increase from the previous year. Experts attribute this surge to delayed vaccination coverage, as only 83% of children received the first dose of the measles vaccine last year. While Europe retains relatively low absolute numbers compared to other regions, countries like Romania reported the highest incidence in the EU, stressing the urgent need for improved vaccination efforts.